The latest Gen Z fashion: The Old School Nokia complete with snake

Basic is making a comeback in the mobile phone market with the relaunch of the Nokia 3210 to appeal to people who are fed up with the constant scrolling of social media.

As part of the ‘digital detox movement’ older models – like the popular 3210 – are making a comeback. It has no apps and only offers basic calling and messaging services – along with the pioneering retro game Snake.

3210 landed in 1999, when Britney Spears and Westlife topped the charts and Toy Story 2 packed them into theaters.

The phone was among the first mobiles without an external antenna and introduced the world to everyone’s favorite on-the-go game, Snake.

But Gen-Z youth — most of whom are younger than 3,210 — are fueling the revival of retro cell phones as a fight against social media addiction.

Another advantage is battery life. A fully charged Nokia can last several days before needing a recharge – unlike modern smartphones that often don’t last a full working day.

Brick-like or flip-flop designs are now back in fashion, analysts say — and young people have taken to TikTok to flaunt them. One user said: “This is what I want – this is all I need.”

Now, 25 years after its initial launch, technology firm HMD – which owns the rights to manufacture the phones – is relaunching the Nokia 3210 with a brand new version.

“The relaunch of a phone icon, the Nokia 3210 feeds into the growing popularity and continued resurgence of feature phones as a growing number of young people switch off and embrace the digital detox movement,” HMD said.

And as for the Nokia 3210, those looking to take a break from social media, the internet and endless apps, whether for a day, a weekend or forever, can now do so in serious late ’90s/Noughties style. early. ‘

And at 79.99 it’s a lot cheaper than the latest iPhone 15 which will set you back 979.

Kerry TD Danny Healy Rae famously continues to use a 3210, while former Taoiseach Enda Kenny swears by his trusty 6310, a similar-looking Nokia.

The website boasts: ‘Let’s go back to Y2K, when conversations mattered more than likes and shares. A nostalgic favorite updated with 4G, Bluetooth and more. No app. No hassle.’